Josie the Great

As you know, we got Josie last week for a one week trial. She was potty-trained, well mannered, and very loving. Overall she's a great dog.

We were told that she woke up at 6 a.m. and that sounded ok to me. Guess her clock got jacked up since every night (except last night) she got up at 4 a.m. (and one night she got up at midnight,too!) The first few nights we got up to take her out, but she didn't go to the bathroom. That was annoying. We figured out that she was just wanting to be loved and getting used to our home. Many nights of rotten sleep were strike one.

Strike two was all the dog hair. She was a shedder. Maybe not the worst shedder of all time, but we were constantly using a lint brush. It's not a deal breaker, but it's just more for me to think about and more work. Shane loves to lay in the floor and felt like he couldn't because of the hair. That wasn't something that we'd ever get used to...

Strike three was extra laundry. After I held her, the clothes I was wearing became "dog clothes" in my mind. Dog clothes equalled dirty. Equalled not wearing again until laundered. I usually wear my jeans twice, so that meant only wearing them once. More laundry is more work for moi.

I barely ever see the bottom of my hampers, so this almost counted as several strikes.

Strike four was our freedom. Both sets of grands live in other states and we like to visit them. Only one set would have allowed her to come, so that was a problem. We don't have the disposable money to board a dog every time we go out of town. Was thinking ahead to holidays and wondered if the cost of boarding would be a financial burden...UM, YES it would. I also didn't want to put any of my friends in a bad position by asking if they would dog sit for us when we traveled. Just not gonna do that to them.

I could go on, but you get the point. Our family likes dogs, but we don't want the work or cost of one full time. I felt a tad guilty, but mostly I'm glad we tried. Josie is a sweetie and whoever ends up with her is going to be so happy. She deserves a family that wants the responsibility and can afford to take great care of her. We certainly didn't want to end up resenting her.

Although it may have not been the easiest answer for our hearts, it is the best answer for our current lifestyle. Praying everyday that we had her (and before), I have peace about not keeping her. Daily I asked God to give Shane and I unity in the decision. He was faithful to show us and I know His plan is best. So glad I sought Him and didn't follow our emotions.

You are a sweet girl, Josie, and we'll miss you. Our short time with you was precious and we are grateful for the memories~

Josie

I just caught E adding a dog to our family picture. To the far right he made the baby we lost earlier this year a little boy (and of course, Tater likes to think it was a girl) and then he just added a little dog.

Her name is Josie. She's coming for a home visit tonight. Josie is probably a Daschund and Jack Russell mix, but we aren't sure because she's from a local dog rescue. All of us are excited to see how her visit goes! We'll let ya know if she's a keeper~

Round the Table

Our family has all been home together this week. For us, this is a special treat considering my husband's work schedule. Not only has he been home every night, we have sat together (all 5 of us) for dinner. At the same table. Did I hear a gasp?

We've decided to utilize our dining room table a.k.a. the junk collector(Fly Lady would refer to it as a "hot spot"). It's a round glass top that has a wooden pedestal base. Our old dining room couldn't handle a rectangle table, so we gotta a circle. Ended up being a good choice.

Added benefit: By using it every night, it doesn't get a chance to get piled.

I had forgotten that it is so nice to all sit together! For so long we've had a straggler ostracized at the kitchen bar while the rest of the fam sat at the breakfast table. Why did it take us three years to do this? Duh.

Being my silly self, I noticed that there's still room to seat more peeps(I was thinkin' bambinos). When I suggested my observation, the conversation got lively. I believe it was E who said, "Yeah, like for five more."

Then T pipes in, "Five more kids!"

Chuckling, I ask "Five kids?!"

And Tater reassures me adding, "And room for high chairs! Five high chairs!"

Yikes. We all had a good laugh.The thought of five high chairs around my dining table is a little much. Can you see my eyes bulging outta my head? We'd probably need one of these beauties~

A few weeks ago I looked online for a large farm house table. One of my old neighbors had one ( I think from American Signature) and it was cool. No matter what or who comes to dinner, these tables seem to be able to handle it. Love these. Especially if you need five high chairs.

Prayer Request

My sweet friend, Audrea, has been through so much in the last few weeks. If you're my "friend" on fb, then you've seen my numerous status updates regarding her situation. Without rehashing the details, I just wanted to share her with you and ask you to pray.

She is a wife to Jeff and a stay-at-mom of three children under four.

Describing her as a woman of strong faith is an understatement. Her blog: http://funkycoldmedinas.blogspot.com/

Book Worm

I can't remember the last time I've read a novel, much less fiction.

My sister, Jenn, and my Mom had both highly recommended a book to me last year.

Usually I am just glad to read the Bible, a devotional, or a book on Christian living.

I actually love to read, but it requires my undivided attention and that is hard to come by. Three kids home (basically all the time) and trying to do the things already on the list...well, there just isn't room for getting sucked into a fictional story.

At least that's what I thought. I'm at my Mom's and have been here quite a bit in the last two weeks. Most of last week, I was keeping up on my sweet friend Audrea. I'll hook you up with her blog on my next post.

Well, yesterday I saw that book again(it's been laying around my Mom's). That one that J and M had suggested to me. It was there and I was there. So I started it.

Um, got completely sucked in.

In fact, I had to make myself put it down as to quit neglecting my family(I think around page 211). It was CRAZY!! I have never wanted to devour a book like that...not a novel...ever. So after I put it down the first time, I decided that I wouldn't read anymore of it yesterday.

Wrong.

Two kids and a hubs napping, and I was off again. Sucked in.

Can't remember how long I read it while Tater was swimming, but it was long enough to get a nice little sunburn across my back. I did sunscreen. Apparently the spray didn't cover me completely. I was too engulfed in my book to care or feel the damage being done. Now I have a burning reminder of my obsession.

I did break free once again and didn't read anymore until today. I finished it before I ate breakfast. Before coffee. I know. It's nuts. I was consumed. Obsessed.

Drum roll, please...................it is "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. You better get your rear-end to the store (or amazon, whatever) and get it. And if you sit outside, make sure you rub in your SPF.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

That book is dangerous.

Giving Shane a Chuckle

My man seems to think that these two dudes look alike. Can you see a resemblance?

Good Weekend, but No Pics

Last Saturday our fam went to the zoo, Marble Slab, and the Bass Pro Shop. That place brings out my inner redneck (if there is one). I packed the camera, but never took it out of the backpack!! Grrr. Maybe it was because it was so hot that day. Wait for it. Here it comes. It was hot as blue blazes. As far as the camera goes, I didn't really think about it when we were out and about. While we were @ Bass Pro, we saw some Amish peeps. That was interesting.
I'm definitely outta the habit of taking pics. Never thought I'd be that girl. In the last few years, I've taken less and less. Hope to break that bad habit soon. After all, my munchkins and man are as dear to me as ever...most days.
It has been so hot here. We simply cannot spend much time outdoors. Early morning and late evenings are the only times we can tolerate the heat. Due to the enormous time spent inside, I've once again got on a painting kick. Well, the idea of painting kick. Most of our house has not been painted and it needs it. BAD. Oh and this isn't a pic of our bathroom, but I love, love it.


When we first moved here, I totally made my house an idol. I spent far too much time thinking about it. How it was decorated meant too much to me. (I'm sure many people who are new to an area and haven't developed friendships could struggle with this. I believe that where we moved from and the culture there deeply influenced me...my Mom never had custom anything, so it wasn't how I was raised. As an adult, living in an affluent area for a long time did some damage that I didn't see until we moved. Currently we aren't insulated with wealth.) After God showed me my idolatry, I had to consciously take our home off the pedestal and change.
But then I went too far the other direction. I haven't finished projects or even hung things that I already own in an effort to get over the way my house looks.
Now it is time to bring the pendulum to the middle, and do what needs to be done without it meaning more than it should. Maybe I'll paint soon and if I do, I'll try to remember my camera...
Oh yeah, and we had a fun Fourth of July! We hung out with our friends Trey and Joanna (who have baby Hannah--the pink diaper cake post from earlier this year). They had their BF's from Johnson City over and we all hung out. The men and kids went swimming while we ladies ran our mouths and stayed dry. Then we went back to the house and watched fireworks. Many of their neighbors had gathered in the cul-de-sac and the guys took turns lighting them. It was a good time! And somehow, I didn't take pics there either. Whatta dope!

Love ya'll,
Comma Queen